The Garden Party:
|
4 Years of Irish PrideBy Christiane Sanders
If only I could find the words to perfectly describe what my journey has been like throughout the past four years here at Notre Dame. Now if I had to, the first word that comes to mind is...WOW. Where has the time gone? It feels like just yesterday I was wandering through the hallways like lost as a puppy trying to find my classes on the first day of school, but now here I am, ready to graduate. Now I am sure there are many different perspectives on what high school has been like for you, but we’ll get to that later. For now, I’m here to tell you my story so here it goes. Grade 9: Thankfully having my older sister at Notre Dame made the transition into High School a little bit easier. The year had its ups and downs. When I was in grade 9, the older grades were a bit more intense if you were a freshman. Just remember, technically you’re at the bottom of the food chain, and they reminded you of this daily. The spectrum used to be a lot different than it is now. If grade 9’s or 10’s were to even step foot onto the grade 12 side, you would be physically removed. This gesture was not out of malice though, it was just the grade 12’s way of saying hi. So, if you are in grade 9 now consider yourself lucky. This is the year you should start getting involved within the school community, and making new friends. Speaking of friends, this a topic that will drastically change throughout your highschool experience. Believe it or not some of the people you consider “friends” in grade 9, you’ll hardly talk to by the end of grade 12, but this is not a bad thing! Sometimes friendships have to end, because people grow apart, mature, and have different pathways. Don’t look at this as a sad loss, think of these friendships as learning experiences and cherish them in with your high school memories. Finally for this year, I would certainly like to encourage you to focus on yourself in grade nine. One regret I have is socializing too much and procrastinating in my school work, because even though you may not think grade 9 is important, it is great preparation for the years to come. So to sum up grade 9, I think it is what you make of it and overall for me it was a great year with a lot of learning experiences. Grade 10: Okay fast forward to the next year, you feel cool. Finally you're not the niner anymore, and this is another year to have fun with your friends at school. This is the year to really explore who you are and try talking to different people. You will be surprised who you connect with and who you may find friendships with, if you just allow yourself to open yourself up. Besides the friends, another thing to remember is to build relationships with your teachers too, because it makes your time in high school so much more enjoyable. There are some great teachers here at ND, and remember that they are not just here to help you learn but can also help guide you through life’s ups and downs. Unfortunately grade ten for me also came with a few obstacles, that I didn’t intend to get involved in... it just happens. So, if you find yourself in the same spot just remember to keep your head up high and rise above hard times, because the high school drama truly isn’t worth it at the end of the day. Try and expand your horizons, open up to new things, and step outside your comfort zone by interacting with new peers. Grade 11: Grade 11 was one of the best years of highschool for me. From fun times at prom, to getting your G2 and driving with your friends on lunch time, the year was all around amazing. This is also the year that you kind of figure out who you are, and own it. You have your group of friends mostly figured out at this point, and it's time where you start to focus a lot on school but also have fun during this time. In my case, my academics in grade eleven helped me get early acceptances to several universities which I am very thankful for. So remember to try to achieve your potential in school for grade eleven, really push yourself. Believe me this is a year you will learn to balance fun and work- a great skill to take with you later in life. Grade 12: Throughout my whole highschool experience, grade 12 was my favourite year. Yay, you can have two spares! Also applying to schools in the fall was scary, feeling like the next year is so far away… but it’s not. Eventually you get accepted to schools and it all feels so real, like you’re actually gonna get out of highschool sooner or later. This makes you appreciate the time you have left here even more. It is this weird mix of excitement and sadness all rolled into one. This is the year to make it your own, and simply reminisce and enjoy your time left at ND while you can. Also, I personally encourage everyone to take the business leadership class, because the conference was likely one of the most memorable days here for me at Notre Dame. Another thing I would urge you to participate in is the Stealing Home Retreat with Chaplain Wayne. Now I can’t tell you anything about it because Chappy would have my head, but all I can say is that it is so worth it. You’ll connect with people you maybe never talked to in school, or reconnect with those you lost touch with, and the whole experience is a major eye opener. It truly is life changing, so trust me when I say you’ll regret not going. To The Graduates, Know that it's okay to not know what you’re doing next year. Some of us do, and some of us have NO idea, but that’s OKAY. Although society may be telling you where you’re “supposed to go”, as long as you follow your passion nothing else matters. Remember we’re young, we’re not supposed to have it all figured out. Understand that life is scary. There’s lots of twists and turns but remember that whatever happens in your life, will lead you to where God has planned you to be. Life is an adventure and it will take you to places you would never think you’d end up, and that’s the joy to living. You never know what’s going to come. So live it up and be who you are, embracing every little part of it. Sure it is clear that we will all go our separate ways, but throughout our journey to come we will always know where we came from- ND - our home in our hearts. |
2017/2018: The Year of the Greenhouse
By Emily Nobes
It’s difficult to find an area of the school where the spirit of Notre Dame doesn’t thrive. Whether it be academics, athletics, or clubs, ND has an affinity for making things great. There is no sign of an exception when it comes Notre Dame’s Horticulture and greenhouse initiatives, which took this school year by storm.
Horticulture has been at ND for a while, lead by Mr. Nason and his team of enthusiastic students. This year, the Horticulture program, lead by Mr. Nason and driven by his team of enthusiastic students exploded into one of the standout features at Notre Dame. No ND student is unaware of the work going on in the greenhouse. The Horticulture Club received a wonderful turnout this year, gaining members all year and combined forces with the STEAM club. Mr. Guisti and Mr. Bozelli joined the Horticulture team this year as well, playing a key role alongside Mr. Nason.
It’s difficult to find an area of the school where the spirit of Notre Dame doesn’t thrive. Whether it be academics, athletics, or clubs, ND has an affinity for making things great. There is no sign of an exception when it comes Notre Dame’s Horticulture and greenhouse initiatives, which took this school year by storm.
Horticulture has been at ND for a while, lead by Mr. Nason and his team of enthusiastic students. This year, the Horticulture program, lead by Mr. Nason and driven by his team of enthusiastic students exploded into one of the standout features at Notre Dame. No ND student is unaware of the work going on in the greenhouse. The Horticulture Club received a wonderful turnout this year, gaining members all year and combined forces with the STEAM club. Mr. Guisti and Mr. Bozelli joined the Horticulture team this year as well, playing a key role alongside Mr. Nason.
“We are well on our way to making the Horticulture area a key focus for our students and school.” Says Mr. Guisti to InsideND, “The horticulture club and students along with other classes from different disciplines including; technology, culinary, social justice, construction, business, and sciences have all contributed and continue to contribute to the development and focus on our key initiatives.”
This year, the horticulture program worked hard to lay the groundwork for what they are hoping to be an equally productive 2018/19 school year. The greenhouse and outdoor gardens were tidied and revamped thanks to hardworking students and staff and new gardens and flowerbeds continue to be added to provide the Horticulture program with room to grow.
This year, the greenhouse opened its doors to anyone keen to spend some time there, so it has been buzzing with students conduct various projects and experiments for classes and unwinding through gardening.
The horticulture crew have formulated a list of five major initiatives that they have been working on this year and plan to continue to execute in the coming year. “The five major initiatives are designed to educate and empower our students to create a better local and global community.” Explains Mr. Guisti, “The goal is to expose students to project based learning using a cross curricular approach where students from different grades and disciplines bring their interests, skills and talents and work together to make a difference.”
This year, the horticulture program worked hard to lay the groundwork for what they are hoping to be an equally productive 2018/19 school year. The greenhouse and outdoor gardens were tidied and revamped thanks to hardworking students and staff and new gardens and flowerbeds continue to be added to provide the Horticulture program with room to grow.
This year, the greenhouse opened its doors to anyone keen to spend some time there, so it has been buzzing with students conduct various projects and experiments for classes and unwinding through gardening.
The horticulture crew have formulated a list of five major initiatives that they have been working on this year and plan to continue to execute in the coming year. “The five major initiatives are designed to educate and empower our students to create a better local and global community.” Explains Mr. Guisti, “The goal is to expose students to project based learning using a cross curricular approach where students from different grades and disciplines bring their interests, skills and talents and work together to make a difference.”
The list of initiatives include:
If you’re interested in learning more about Horticulture and the operation of the greenhouse, drop by the greenhouse, the doors are always open, and make sure the follow their progress throughout the next year on InsideND and the STEAM website. Stay green ND!
- Community gardens, which have been created with the hope of growing food to be donated to various charitable causes in our area.
- Social justice gardens, an area of plants and artwork that creates a gathering space for students and staff to focus on mental health, human rights, and indigenous education.
- STEAM incorporation, introducing technology such as robotic farming and hi tech seed germination, biology, chemistry, data collection and analysis (with the help of new sensors and a weather station), and coding projects.
- Culinary involvement, providing fresh food and ingredients to culinary students with the hope of teaching them about biology and sustainability (and providing them with some pretty delicious, healthy food).
- Sustainability, hoping to focus on sustainability within the greenhouse and throughout their operations, including renewable energy, efficient watering systems, composting, and recycling.
If you’re interested in learning more about Horticulture and the operation of the greenhouse, drop by the greenhouse, the doors are always open, and make sure the follow their progress throughout the next year on InsideND and the STEAM website. Stay green ND!
ND SPRING SPORTS UPDATE
|
By Daniella Lopez
Notre Dame has many amazing sports teams if you didn't know already. And so many of them have done wonderfully this season. Here's a look back at how they did (or are still doing). The boys lacrosse team coached by Mr. Wozney is headed to OFSAA in Ottawa next week. They were also HCAA finalists. Standout players include: Braedan Saris, Kenny Sproat and Yvon Bolduc. Good job at making ND proud boys. Our junior girls soccer team's season has unfortunately come to an end with 1 win, 6 loses and 1 tie. Coached by Ms. Carlone and Ms. Bernar. Good thing there's always next year girls. |
However, the senior girls soccer team is OFSAA bound after beating Nelson in the GHAC finals. The girls went 5-1-2 with wins, loses and ties in the regular season. But went undefeated in the playoffs. This great season could not be done without the coaching staff of Mr. Downey and Ms. Giardina.
The junior boys soccer team coached by Ms. Raso, Ms. Tambasco and Mr. Boselli has come to an end. Going 0-8-0 in wins, loses and ties in the regular season. We're still proud of you!
The senior boys soccer team went 0-5-3 in the regular season with wins, loses and ties. This team was coached by Mr. McDermott, Mr. Martorelli and Mr. DeMediros.
The junior boys soccer team coached by Ms. Raso, Ms. Tambasco and Mr. Boselli has come to an end. Going 0-8-0 in wins, loses and ties in the regular season. We're still proud of you!
The senior boys soccer team went 0-5-3 in the regular season with wins, loses and ties. This team was coached by Mr. McDermott, Mr. Martorelli and Mr. DeMediros.
The girls rugby team coached by Mr. Montoya are OFSAA bound to Stratford. The girls did amazing this season! And some key players were Camilla Izquirdo and Emily Paravano. Keep up the good work girls.
ND's Ultimate Frisbee team coached by Mr. Bryson and Ms. Kerwin has come to an end though we can't wait for next year.
The track and field team coached by Mr. Snyed and Ms. Messinger did awesome. Six Notre Dame athletes are headed to OFSAA because of the top five finishes at GHAC.
Shoutouts go to Victoria Starcevic who placed 5th in midget 200 meter. Aidan Donen who placed 3rd in the junior 1500 meter and 3000 meter. As well as a HCAA champion in the 3000 meter. Elizabeth Young placed 2nd in the junior long jump and captured the HCAA championship. Ethan Belanger captured GHAC titles in the midget 1500 meter and 3000 meter. ND's leading female athlete Kayla Overholt placed 1st in the junior 3000 and 1500 meter, and 2nd in the 800 meter where she was HCAA champion. Lastly, ND's top performer was senior Luke Mawhinney who won the 2000 meter steeplechase, 1500 meter and 3000 meter.
ND's Ultimate Frisbee team coached by Mr. Bryson and Ms. Kerwin has come to an end though we can't wait for next year.
The track and field team coached by Mr. Snyed and Ms. Messinger did awesome. Six Notre Dame athletes are headed to OFSAA because of the top five finishes at GHAC.
Shoutouts go to Victoria Starcevic who placed 5th in midget 200 meter. Aidan Donen who placed 3rd in the junior 1500 meter and 3000 meter. As well as a HCAA champion in the 3000 meter. Elizabeth Young placed 2nd in the junior long jump and captured the HCAA championship. Ethan Belanger captured GHAC titles in the midget 1500 meter and 3000 meter. ND's leading female athlete Kayla Overholt placed 1st in the junior 3000 and 1500 meter, and 2nd in the 800 meter where she was HCAA champion. Lastly, ND's top performer was senior Luke Mawhinney who won the 2000 meter steeplechase, 1500 meter and 3000 meter.
The girls SloPitch finished 2nd overall in regular season only losing to Corpus Christi. By the coaching of Ms. Vaughn, Mr. Low and Ms. Bolton. The girls have made playoffs and we look forward to cheering them on. Team leaders as well as star players are Melina Delulio and Alyssa Biase. Alyssa had been a vocal leader and an essential part of their infield. Whereas Melina has had multiple home runs this season. Lovely work ladies.
Lastly, the boys baseball team were HCAA finalists and were coached by Mr. Shaw and Mr. Leyland. The team finished the regular season with a record of 4-2 which put the team in 4th place. The team won a quarterfinal game against Bishop reading 16-1. They won a semi-final game against the undefeated Holy Trinity a 12-0. Unfortunately the team lost a hard championship game against Christ the King 2-1.
The team was led by the pitching of Brandt Boye, Charlie Lisac and Eric Martyn. The team was led by the hitting of Spencer Jamieson, Nicholas Thibodeau and Noah Bertin.
The season was thought to have been a rebuilding year but with every player eligible to return the future of Notre Dame baseball looks very bright.
And not just the future of ND baseball but the future of many Notre Dame sports looks very bright. We can't wait to see what happens in the upcoming years. Keep on giving it your best work because all of Notre Dame will be cheering you on.
Lastly, the boys baseball team were HCAA finalists and were coached by Mr. Shaw and Mr. Leyland. The team finished the regular season with a record of 4-2 which put the team in 4th place. The team won a quarterfinal game against Bishop reading 16-1. They won a semi-final game against the undefeated Holy Trinity a 12-0. Unfortunately the team lost a hard championship game against Christ the King 2-1.
The team was led by the pitching of Brandt Boye, Charlie Lisac and Eric Martyn. The team was led by the hitting of Spencer Jamieson, Nicholas Thibodeau and Noah Bertin.
The season was thought to have been a rebuilding year but with every player eligible to return the future of Notre Dame baseball looks very bright.
And not just the future of ND baseball but the future of many Notre Dame sports looks very bright. We can't wait to see what happens in the upcoming years. Keep on giving it your best work because all of Notre Dame will be cheering you on.